Ok, I’ll admit it. It took me a while to warm up to the gladiator sandal. I first saw them on Drew Barrymore. Flat ones, worn with ratty jeans. Now, I love Drew, but those sandals and jeans, along with her bedhead and half-tucked, oversized, baggy T-shirt…well, it wasn’t a look I was willing to run out and copy. Plus, gladiator sandals were big in the 80s. Isn’t it a little too soon for them to be back? I guess I can’t really complain about revisiting the 80s, though, because I’m loving the latest blazer with the sleeves rolled up look. I just hope it doesn’t degrade into a second-wave Miami Vice trend.
Anyway, back to the sandals. So I wasn’t crazy about them when I first saw them, and definitely wasn’t digging the flats. They just look, well, too gladiator-like for me. But throw those sandals onto a high heel and I’m all about it! Plus, I’ve already mentioned my addiction to red shoes, so these Stuart Weitzman Teeny t-strap sandals were made for me. From the red patent leather upper to the stacked 4.5 inch heel, these shoes are just begging to be taken out for a spin. They also have a three-quarter inch platform, giving them great stability. Leather lining, cushioned insoles, and elastic straps on the sides make them a lot more comfortable than they look. I love them with skinny jeans. Minus the baggy T-shirt. They retail for $365 at JildorShoes.com.
Budget Saving Alternatives
These aren’t red, but I really like the stacked pyramid heel on the Max Studio Gareta gladiator sandal. They’ll give you a solid base when walking, but I just think they look cool. The leather upper is arranged in a geometric design, enhanced by a contrasting stitch. The adjustable heel strap lets you customize the fit. They’re a little more casual than the Weitzmans, and have a shorter heel of 3.75 inches. A half-inch island platform makes them feel lower than they actually are, and a lightly padded insole adds to the comfort. You could probably walk all day in these and not feel it. Your wallet won’t feel it as much, either, at just $169 from Zappos.com.
Maybe you want a steeper heel at a not-so-steep price. Take a look at the Nine West Balboa gladiator sandal. This shoe’s slender profile and four-inch, stacked heel will make your legs look long and lean. The one-inch platform will also give you some height, if you’re petite like me. The leather upper has an adjustable buckle on the ankle strap, and the hardware color complements the shoe color. Again, they don’t come in red, but in traditional colors black, brown, and dark natural, they’ll go with just about everything in your closet. And at this price, you can get more than one pair. They’re only $88.95 at Endless.com.
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